Just before it went under, the Independent Monthly published an amusing article by Alex Buzo on Teacher's Pet Syndrome, the phenomenon that allows an elite group of people to remain completely immune to critical evaluation.

Among sporting Pets whose media allure appears unrelated to their performances, Buzo listed Rugby League players Wayne Pearce and Bradley Clyde. Fair enough, but being a Sydneysider Buzo did not mention any AFL Pets. There too we have the "Ornament to football/Gentleman of the game" syndrome: whether they played well or badly, nothing cruel or insensitive must be said about players like Stephen Kernahan or Gavin Wanganeen or James Hird, or about past greats like Michael Tuck, Robbie Flower, and Terry Daniher.